In a significant move in the hospitality sector, Alpha Dhabi Holding PJSC has completed a strategic transaction with the National Corporation for Tourism and Hotels (NCTH), effectively uniting three of Alpha Dhabi’s hotel businesses within the NCTH portfolio. This strategic partnership is set to reshape the luxury hotel segment in Abu Dhabi and beyond, with a focus on offering unparalleled guest experiences and expanding their international presence.
Alpha Dhabi, which holds a 36.4% share in NCTH, facilitated the acquisition of 100% stakes in ADH Hospitality, Murban (BVI) Holding Inc., and Hill View Resorts – Seychelles. This merger is currently subject to regulatory approvals, and it represents a significant consolidation of high-end hospitality assets under a single banner. The collaboration between NCTH and Alpha Dhabi positions them as prominent players in the luxury segment of the hospitality sector, strengthening their foothold in the UAE market and expanding their reach into the ultra-luxury segment on an international scale.
The transaction brings notable luxury resorts into the NCTH portfolio, including the St Regis Saadiyat and Al Wathba Luxury Collection in Abu Dhabi, as well as the ultra-luxury Cheval Blanc in the Maldives and the soon-to-open Cheval Blanc Seychelles. These prestigious properties join an already impressive lineup of hotels under NCTH, increasing the total number of managed and owned hotels in their portfolio to eight, with nearly 1,500 total keys.
Eng. Hamad Al Ameri, CEO of Alpha Dhabi Holding, emphasized the strategic importance of this consolidation. “Our growing portfolio of luxury hotels in the UAE, Maldives, and Seychelles reflects the dynamic nature of these leading tourist destinations,” he stated. He highlighted the unified approach under the NCTH umbrella as a catalyst for growth and diversification within their investment portfolio.
Hany Farag, CEO of the National Corporation for Tourism & Hotels, pointed out the robust potential in the hospitality, lifestyle, and tourism sectors. “There is strong demand for luxury brands across the region in exciting, highly sought-after locations,” he noted. The acquisition aims to capitalize on these opportunities, consolidating beloved brands and enhancing the depth, diversification, and sophistication of their portfolio.
This strategic expansion by Alpha Dhabi, which increased its shareholding in NCTH in May 2023, is indicative of their commitment to capturing the growing demand for luxury tourism in the UAE and internationally. Both Alpha Dhabi and NCTH are poised to set new standards in luxury hospitality, enriching guest experiences and contributing to the prosperity of local communities in world-leading destinations.
